How to Pick a Hutch

The right hutch can serve as a focal point in the room while displaying your favorite pieces.

The traditional wooden hutch is a classic piece of home furniture for the kitchen, dining room or other living area. Traditionally used to display prized glassware or china, the hutch can also be used to store everyday items such as dishes, vases and wine bottles. The key to choosing the right hutch for your home lies in finding a unit that looks good, balances form and function to fit your space, and also fits within your furniture budget.

Hutch Sizing

As you start your search for the perfect hutch, narrow your selection by focusing on pieces that fit your space requirements. Use a tape measure to measure the width and depth of the space where you plan to place your new hutch. Next, measure the ceiling height in the room. When comparing hutches, look for units that will comfortably fit within your available space. Account for any special projections or ornamentation on the top of the unit. Once you've narrowed your selection by size, consider how much space your glassware and other items will take up, then choose accordingly to provide adequate space for display and storage. If you have limited space, consider a corner hutch.

Open Versus Closed Units

Some hutches come fully enclosed in glass while others feature an open-shelf design. To choose, consider the items you wish to display as well as the maintenance requirements associated with each. Glass doors protect your objects from dust and damage to some extent, but the glass requires regular cleaning to keep it polished and clear. Items enclosed behind glass are also less accessible, and you'll need to open doors or unlock the case to reach them. Open shelves, on the other hand, allow easy access to your items, but are also more susceptible to dust. The open-shelf concept also makes it more difficult to protect your belongings from accidental damage.

Display Options and Features

Different hutch designs have special features to help display your valuables. Decide what you plan to display within the unit and then look for hutches designed to meet your needs. If you want to show off fancy plates, choose a hutch equipped with slots to hold plates upright. If you plan to display figurines or collectibles, a hutch with a mirrored back helps you show off all sides of your favorite items. Adjustable shelves allow you to change your display as your collections change. Finally, consider whether or not you want a unit that incorporates display lights.

Add-On Hutches

Many furniture makers sell add-on hutches designed to transform a standard desk, table or cabinet into a beautiful hutch. If you already have a piece of furniture that could work for this purpose, look for add-on sections in the right color and finish that fit your existing piece. These add-on hutches screw to the surface of the existing piece to create a unit that looks indistinguishable from the average hutch.

About the Author

Emily Beach works in the commercial construction industry in Maryland. She received her LEED accreditation from the U.S. Green Building Council in 2008 and is in the process of working towards an Architectural Hardware Consultant certification from the Door and Hardware Institute. She received a bachelor's degree in economics and management from Goucher College in Towson, Maryland.